Generosity across contexts

Arbeitspapier

Extensive research in economics explores generosity in monetary allocations, while generosity in non-laboratory contexts often involves the allocation of consumption goods or non-monetary harm. Psychological evidence suggests that generosity may be higher in such contexts. We compare generosity in decisions that vary whether allocations are monetary or non-monetary, and whether they involve utility gains or losses. In two experiments, generosity is higher in nonmonetary contexts. Thus, the typical monetary laboratory Dictator game may underestimate generosity in many non-laboratory contexts. We find a weak relationship between individuals' allocation decisions in monetary and nonmonetary contexts, but a strong relationship within monetary contexts.

Object Details

• Language: Englisch

References and Relationships

• Bibliographic citation: Series: Working Paper ; No. 50

Classification and Topics

• Classification: Wirtschaft ; Altruism; Philanthropy; Intergenerational Transfers ; Design of Experiments: Laboratory, Individual
• Subject: altruism ; generosity ; harm ; experiment ; Altruismus ; Nichtkooperatives Spiel ; Diktatur ; Test

Contributors, Places and Time

• Event: Geistige Schöpfung
• (who): Davis, Alexander L. ; Miller, John H. ; Weber, Roberto A.
• Event: Veröffentlichung
• (who): University of Zurich, Department of Economics
• (where): Zurich
• (when): 2011

Further information

• DOI: doi:10.5167/uzh-51583
• Handle: http://hdl.handle.net/10419/77502
• Last update: 10.03.2025, 11:41 AM CET